If you live in an area with green waste removal, you're probably reading this because you've just opened your collection bag to add new cuttings and breathed in an odour so rotten it made your stomach turn over. If it's hot where you are, that smell will be even worse.

But you can't complain, right? After all, monthly garden bag collection uses less fuel than a weekly collection would, and you're committed to doing your bit for the planet.

So, without donning special breathing apparatus, how can you avoid inhaling that horrible stench every time you have to open the bag to put new waste in? The following tips will bring you some relief.

Let Your Bag Breathe

While it probably seems logical to keep your collection bag closed to prevent that rancid smell from emanating into your living environment, this actually makes matters worse. Closing the bag creates the perfect environment for bacteria to breed—and bacteria is what's causing that nauseating smell that you're trying to get rid of.

In sunny weather, leaving fresh cuttings in an open bag will allow the top layer to dry out, thus reducing that rotting smell. If you're really committed, stick on some gloves and stir up the contents of your bag, bringing the bottom layer of the waste to the surface so that it can dry out, too. If you think it's likely to rain while the waste bag is open, be sure to store it in a sheltered space.

Dry Out Your Garden Cuttings

As you've seen from above, the key to avoiding the odour of rotting green waste is to dry it out. This can be done before it gets to the bag, preventing the need to leave the bag open.

An easy way of doing this is to remove the clipping box from your lawnmower, leaving the cut grass to sit for a few days to dry out. It can then be raked up and put in the garden bag. If you don't want the extra job of raking up grass, put the clipping box back on the mower and go over the lawn again when the cut grass is dry. This should remove much of the dried grass. Any newly cut grass will be mixed in with the dry and should not rot as fast.

Wash Your Bag/Bin Between Uses

Make sure you wash your bag after every collection. Leaving bacteria from the last bag of waste will ensure that the next lot of waste smells even faster. Wash the bag using disinfectant, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to air dry.  

For more tips, contact a green waste removal service.

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